Do I need planning permission to renovate a country house clearance or in rural areas if you do not change the outward appearance?

The house has been reduced from 15 years, but is not damaged in any way. Located in a rural area of Northern Ireland and is not a listed building. We will replace the roof, sash windows and doors and interior modernization, but will be essentially the same when finished. We are also hoping to extend the house attached barn and stables – I guess it requires planning permission because it is a change of use. We have presented plans for 2 months, but they have said they may be many months before obtaining a permit through. We are desperate to get going and is receiving conflicting advice from everyone talking about whether we could continue the work in the cottage. Anyone in the know, please help!

I ask your local council or the National Trust before making any thing! If not listed I can not see the existence of a problem, but you know what they are and advice on planning and permission to do things like before you see plz nothing, although it also appears not always best to be sympathetic to the buildings of the age before painting or trying to check out any wall paint is Farrow & Ball and tissues do not trust the national colors and patterns, and are taken from protected buildings, which are also mostly organic. My grandfather was a master works and made a lot of work the National Trust and swore by Farrow & Ball. As I said plz try to decorate the house in the style and the time when he was building trust me on this will look awesome when done! Good luck!